When it comes to lemons, people often think of sourness. With the spread of the belief that acidic foods can lead to an acidic body, many people are becoming more concerned about the acidity and alkalinity of their food. So is lemon water acidic or alkaline when consumed?
Lemon water is alkaline food
Lemon water contains citric acid, but citric acid can be completely metabolized in the body to produce carbon dioxide and water. As carbon dioxide is exhaled, the acidity is eliminated. However, ions such as potassium and calcium in lemons remain in the body in the form of metal cations. These ions can combine with acid ions, reducing the acidity of urine. Therefore, lemon water is alkaline food.
Benefits of drinking lemon water
Lemon water is rich in vitamin C and organic acids such as citric acid. Despite this, it is undeniably an alkaline food that helps regulate the body's acid-alkaline balance. Drinking lemon water can promote bowel movements, improve constipation, and aid in weight loss. Due to the high vitamin C content, lemon water can also detoxify and improve skin complexion, have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The mild lemon fragrance can stimulate the brain nerves, helping people maintain focus, eliminate fatigue, and stay energized.
How to determine the acidity and alkalinity of food
The acidity and alkalinity of food does not depend on taste or pH value. It is determined by the acidity and alkalinity of the metabolic products after food is broken down and metabolized in the body. There are eight minerals closely related to the acidity and alkalinity of human food, namely potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, chlorine, and sulfur. The first five become alkaline after entering the body, while the latter three become acidic.
Which foods are alkaline?
The majority of vegetables and fruits are alkaline foods, such as spinach, cucumber, eggplant, carrot, lotus root, onion, sweet potato, potato, kelp, grape, banana, apple, orange, pear, and watermelon. Alkaline foods are particularly important for patients with gout and hyperuricemia. When urine is alkaline, uric acid forms salts that can be easily excreted by the body, reducing the risk of gout attacks.
Precautions for drinking lemon water
1. Lemon acid should be soaked in 60-degree water. Cold water cannot bring out the aroma, and there is no need to worry too much about the loss of vitamin C because lemons contain multiple acidic substances that have a certain protective effect on vitamin C.
2. Unsweetened diluted lemon water contains no sodium and almost no calories, but it does contain potassium, a small amount of vitamin C, and a small amount of flavonoids. It is suitable for daily consumption by patients with hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and gout. However, honey lemon water should not be consumed in large quantities as it contains high levels of sugar and calories, which can lead to obesity.
3. One slice of lemon in a large glass of water not only does not irritate the gastric mucosa but also has a certain promoting effect on gastric mucosal repair. However, highly concentrated lemon water or lemon juice can have a stimulating effect on the gastric mucosa.
